One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on October 12, 2025, 09:06:33 PM
-
No movement on the trade-front, but how far can these talented Tiger cubs go in season 2026?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3BitiXWoAAB7rs?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/traderadio/status/1977188773990371684
-
Broad, Nank, Prestia and Lynch all to move on in the next 2 years you'd think.
Need to upgrade Ralph, Short/move on, maybe Banks too.
So yeah...another 6-8 players and we may be sorted.
-
Yeah we have this draft to look at cutting into 1/4 of that.
Reality is you can't build a lost with top end talent. You need a mix. We need to start also hitting wins in Rookie draft and will also hit free agency soon. I expect for probably a gun ruck as picking one up in draft is really 6 years away from a break out year and by then Lalor and CO will be FA available and we can't afford to wait that long to be back in top 8. As wed struggle to keep a hold of all that draft crop coming to FA at once. If we are playing finals it'll be easy to sign them.
So 8 players Andy, agree. 2 of them come this year in pick 2 and 3. Next year's first is probably a top 6 pick minimum. So 3. Get 2-3 rookies to add and then 2 FA big names or trade ins on big contracts. We are cooking.
-
We have about three drafts to cut into around 20 players thats how many need to go or be improved upon.
Also have to factor in a percentage of misses with good picks.
-
No movement on the trade-front, but how far can these talented Tiger cubs go in season 2026?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3BitiXWoAAB7rs?format=jpg&name=large)
https://x.com/traderadio/status/1977188773990371684
I would not have ralphsmith or short.
Ideally prestia wouldn't play every game
-
Kmac2 should be in and also Sims 100% should be in. With 5 on the bench, 0 reason not to have a legit 2nd ruck every game.
Then I’d be looking at Alger, juddy Clarke, Fawcett, Gray, Smith and our 3 national draft picks this class to be given opportunities too.
-
Vlastuin - Miller - Gibcus/Trainor
Banks/Smith - Balta - Clarke/Brown Definately looking to improve the running backs and i think 3 tall defenders will be it the way the game is.
Campbell - McAuliffe - Brown/Clarke. we just have to find other options our wings have been ordinary for too long and our mids too slow.
Algar - Faull - Hotton. Most definately the future and we must pump games into them
Mansell - Lynch - Armstrong/Sims. Not sure Nigel is a long term keeper but he is best 22 be nice if we can ease Lynchy out of team
Nankervis - Lalor - Prestia. Combined with the mids our best and it addresses genuine pace issues
Hopper - Taranto - Smillie - Trainor - ND#3 - Broad - ND#4 - Lefau. Lots of midfield rotations adding Hotton and Algar into rotations.
Hopefully we are looking past guys like Ross, Short, HRS - Rioli - Dow - Sonsie If things are going well injury and improvement hope they are phasing out Prestia Broad and Lynch and all those who have had a fair crack at it like most of the above who have severe limitations..
-
I really lost hope in ralphsmith this year. Complete defensive liability. Looks flashing running fwd kicking goals etc but offers nothing the other way and we already have 2 guys like that in banks and short
-
Every AFL club’s best 23 for 2026
Jack Jovanovski, Will Faulkner, Ben Cotton and Dylan Bolch
Fox Sports
October 18th, 2025
RICHMOND
B: N.Broad, B.Miller, N.Vlastuin
HB: S.Banks, J.Gibcus, J.Short
C: L.Trainor, D.Prestia, H.Ralphsmith
HF: S.Campbell, N.Balta, S.Lalor
F: R.Mansell, T.Lynch, J.Faull
FOLL: T.Nankervis (c), T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: J.Ross, T.Hotton, T.Brown, S.Green, H.Armstrong
EMG: T.Sims, J.Smillie, T.Dow
Key ins: Nil
Key outs: Tylar Young, Kamdyn McIntosh
WE SAY: Richmond will be banking on a healthy Josh Gibcus, with the club still holding out hope the former first-round pick can be a long-term key defensive answer. Sam Lalor slots back onto half-forward after another hamstring ended his debut season, while the Tigers will plan for a Josh Smillie second-year leap after a redshirt rookie year. Noah Balta could start the year forward again in a combination with Tom Lynch and emerging tall Jonty Faull, with fellow second-year keys Tom Sims and Harry Armstrong chomping at the bit for senior spots. Versatile youngster Luke Trainor could fill the wing void left by Kamdyn McIntosh, while a healthy Hugo Ralphsmith returns to the opposite wing. Jack Ross keeps Thomson Dow out of the side. Also hold picks 3 and 4.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trades-2025-every-clubs-best-23-for-2026-after-the-trade-period-and-free-agency-lineups-teams-recruits-opinion-analysis-latest-news/news-story/4543c1c7c07ce59b6d2503859f9b18b6
-
Every club’s best 23 for 2026 after the AFL Trade Period
Matthew Forrest, Josh Barnes, Callum idiot, Lachlan McKirdy, Simeon Thomas-Wilson and Eliza Reilly
HeraldSun
October 18, 2025
RICHMOND
B: N.Vlastuin, B.Miller, N.Broad
HB: J.Short, N.Balta, T.Brown
C: J.Trezise, D.Prestia, S.Banks
HF: J.Ross, J.Faull, S.Lalor
F: S.Green, T.Lynch, T.Hotton
FOLL: T.Nankervis, T.Taranto, J.Hopper
I/C: L.Trainor, J.Smillie, J.Clarke, S.Campbell, H.Armstrong
Depth: R.Mansell, M.Rioli, T.Sonsie, T.Dow, T.Sims, J.Gibcus
Ins: Patrick Retschko (Geelong)
Outs: Tylar Young (West Coast), Jacob Bauer (delisted), Jacob Blight (delisted), Mate Colina (delisted), Jacob Koschitzke (delisted), Kamdyn McIntosh (delisted)
2025 draft picks: 3, 4, 38
The Tigers backed in their youth rather than targeting free agents this off-season, but landed Patrick Retschko from Geelong for a late pick. Top-10 draftee Josh Smillie is the only of last year’s monster draft haul to not debut last season, but a full summer would have him ready to go. The young core is here, and will be complemented in November with two elite talents with the No.3 and No.4 draft picks.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/every-clubs-best-23-for-2026-after-the-afl-trade-period/news-story/b7f7e0687baa0d0ba57f720152e5f809
-
Interesting teams (I'm working on mine ;D)
But I cannot see how anyone could have Juddy Clarke in our best 23 or Campbell only on the I/C :huh (Herald Sun one)
Then the Fox Sports have Tom Brown on the bench :help
-
Interesting teams (I'm working on mine ;D)
But I cannot see how anyone could have Juddy Clarke in our best 23 or Campbell only on the I/C :huh (Herald Sun one)
Then the Fox Sports have Tom Brown on the bench :help
It’s ridiculous
-
I really lost hope in ralphsmith this year. Complete defensive liability. Looks flashing running fwd kicking goals etc but offers nothing the other way and we already have 2 guys like that in banks and short
I agree can only play one of them at a time imo and atm thats probably Banks.
-
Clarke is probably finished, let's be honest.
The odds of him having any sort of successful career after 3 ACLs is virtually zero.
Shouldn't have extended him so early in hindsight.
-
Clarke is probably finished, let's be honest.
The odds of him having any sort of successful career after 3 ACLs is virtually zero.
Shouldn't have extended him so early in hindsight.
3 or 2? Did he do 1 in junior years?
-
Clarke is probably finished, let's be honest.
The odds of him having any sort of successful career after 3 ACLs is virtually zero.
Shouldn't have extended him so early in hindsight.
3 or 2? Did he do 1 in junior years?
Yep
3
-
KPF Starting - Lynch, Faull, Armstrong. these three are in front and we need to get games into two young talls every week.
KPF Depth - Lefau, Sims, Fawcett.
Starting General fwds and fwd/mids - Campbell, Hotton, Mansell. Adamant Campbell needs to go to a wing. Alger to join Hotton and Mansell..
Depth general fwds and fwd/mids - Algar, Green, Rioli.
KPD Starting - Miller, Balta, Gibcus
KPD Depth - Gray, Trainor, Fawcett? think fawcett or one of the other tall forwards can be tried here.
Starting general defenders - Vlastuin, Broad, Brown, Imo only Vlastuin is a lock. Broad will play from bench allows one of the runners to start.
Depth General defenders - Banks, Trezise, Smith,Short.
Rucks Starting - Nankervis or Ryan. Sheesh we are in pain if Nankervis goes down.
Rucks depth - OH-B, Sims fwd/ruck
Wings starting - Retchsko, HRS, Now people know why im so bullish on us trying blokes like Campbell and Brown here and Clarke if fit..
Wings Depth - Clarke.
Mids starting - Lalor, Taranto, Smillie, Hotton, McAuliffe, Hopper, Prestia. Seven is about the number of genuine mids and mid/fwds you need.
Mids depth - Ross, Dow, Sonsie. The last 4 mentioned could all be gone in no time flat exposing the lack of numbers we have
Vlastuin - Miller - Gibcus
Banks - Balta - Brown
Retschko - McAuliffe - Campbell
Nankervis - Taranto - Lalor
Hotton - Faull - Algar
Mansell - Lynch - Armstrong
Hopper - Broad - Smillie -ND#3 - Prestia.
Yes it a young side but thats where our talent is and we need to get games into that talent.
-
KPF Starting - Lynch, Faull, Armstrong. these three are in front and we need to get games into two young talls every week.
KPF Depth - Lefau, Sims, Fawcett.
Starting General fwds and fwd/mids - Campbell, Hotton, Mansell. Adamant Campbell needs to go to a wing. Alger to join Hotton and Mansell..
Depth general fwds and fwd/mids - Algar, Green, Rioli.
KPD Starting - Miller, Balta, Gibcus
KPD Depth - Gray, Trainor, Fawcett? think fawcett or one of the other tall forwards can be tried here.
Starting general defenders - Vlastuin, Broad, Brown, Imo only Vlastuin is a lock. Broad will play from bench allows one of the runners to start.
Depth General defenders - Banks, Trezise, Smith,Short.
Rucks Starting - Nankervis or Ryan. Sheesh we are in pain if Nankervis goes down.
Rucks depth - OH-B, Sims fwd/ruck
Wings starting - Retchsko, HRS, Now people know why im so bullish on us trying blokes like Campbell and Brown here and Clarke if fit..
Wings Depth - Clarke.
Mids starting - Lalor, Taranto, Smillie, Hotton, McAuliffe, Hopper, Prestia. Seven is about the number of genuine mids and mid/fwds you need.
Mids depth - Ross, Dow, Sonsie. The last 4 mentioned could all be gone in no time flat exposing the lack of numbers we have
Vlastuin - Miller - Gibcus
Banks - Balta - Brown
Retschko - McAuliffe - Campbell
Nankervis - Taranto - Lalor
Hotton - Faull - Algar
Mansell - Lynch - Armstrong
Hopper - Broad - Smillie -ND#3 - Prestia.
Yes it a young side but thats where our talent is and we need to get games into that talent.
.Trainor
-
Trainor doesn't make Claws cutoff
Makes the entire post laughable
-
Trainor doesn't make Claws cutoff
Makes the entire post laughable
And the seemingly useless Ben Miller who should have been delisted in 2023 plays as our key back
-
Trainor doesn't make Claws cutoff
Makes the entire post laughable
Gibcus showed way more in his first season and is now a much more mature body. He also injuries aside is a far more highly rated defender. What is laughable is people cannot look past injuries. Yep some do indeed make laughable comments.
Reckon we cannot play 4 talls at around 195cm in the back half and Trainor misses atm. Doesnt mean he won't get games.
I suppose the numpties want to see him played on a wing still.
Three tall defenders in the magoos Kpd Gray, Trainor and a vfl listed player atm.Oh thats right the babys are being developed in the magoos god forbid.
-
Trainer will be starting 22
And yeah I'm one who can't see past the gibcus injuries. Mature body this and that. Honestly he's played about an hour of AFL in the last 18+ months. Putting him in the team ahead of Trainor, who has been durable, is laughable.
If gibcus stays fit he may be in contention but that's an if and if it's between him and Trainor he'll need to push Trainor out on merit.
-
Trainor wants to play backline
-
Gibcus got thrown forward a couple of times in his first year and looked comfortable.
I’m pretty sure we can fit them all in - if fit and well.
-
So now Gibcus plays forward in front of One of Faull Armstrong and Sims sheesh people are all over the shop.
Fact is Gibcus pedigree is far better than Trainors and only a fool would write him off because of injuries.
Another obvious fact is there is no room for all of the talls we have someone is going to miss. Thats a good thing they all have to earn it.
Does anyone think the best set up is not Lynch, Faull Armstrong forward. It means Lefau Sims and Fawcett miss out and have to force their way in.
Same in defence My Preference for the three tall spots is Balta, Miller and Gibcus it means atm Trainor and Gray have to force the issue.
Its a great spot to be in.
They may try and continue to play Trainor on a wing which is not the way to go or he may replace Broad unlikely we will forgo that experience.
Fact is some will miss and some won't.
You won't hear me complain if Trainor plays in front of Gibcus im adamant though Gibcus is a better player.
-
Gibcus got thrown forward a couple of times in his first year and looked comfortable.
I’m pretty sure we can fit them all in - if fit and well.
If Gibbo can stay on the park, I’m leaving him plonked in his best position at FB/CHB and not moving him around the ground to accommodate anyone else.
-
Early verdict: Gun draftees most likely to debut at every AFL club in Round 1 2026
Ben Waterworth, Dylan Bolch and Jack Jovanovski
Fox Sports
November 22, 2025
RICHMOND
The Tigers targeted midfielders with their two top-10 selections, investing in a pair of Sam’s: North Adelaide’s Sam Cumming and Oakleigh Chargers’ Sam Grlj. Both are good Round 1 chances. Despite his 2025 season being cut short by a shoulder injury, Cumming is a great chance. One talent-watcher this year labelled him “the prototype AFL midfielder”. Highly regarded for his class, power, speed, agility and competitiveness — both in the air and at ground level — Cumming has a terrific all-round profile and made a splash for North Adelaide’s league team in his limited opportunities. But also, don’t rule out Grlj, who looked at home in the defensive half during his two matches for Richmond’s VFL side in early August with hauls of 18 and 15 disposals and already has AFL-level running capacity. It’s expected Grlj will begin AFL career in defence, with scope to push into the midfield as he develops. The Tigers’ last two picks, Zane Peucker and Noah Roberts-Thomson, probably start at state league level, although keep tabs on Peucker over the pre-season as scouts this year loved his competitiveness — both in the air and at ground level.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-draft-2025-draftees-who-could-play-round-1-of-2026-season-predictions-analysis-latest-preseason-news/news-story/24b18f730ac8469da9ec9d8594f2b73c
-
I reckon for the first month or two, the club will go hard trying to get some wins. Could see almost all of the experienced and older guys in the senior side.
With some fitness luck the vfl Richmond team could be enjoyable to watch.
-
Three tall defenders is likely the go, but which three?
If Balta shows nothing preseason we could go with Miller, Gibcus and Trainor. If Balta is a lock then it is going to be Miller, Balta, and one of Trainor, Gibcus.
Do we slide Broad out of defense reckon both Trainor and Brown can play his role. Do we go with more pace and rebound by playing Grlj and one of Banks or Smith if he takes a leap. Trezise is a hb imo is there now a place for him or Short for that matter?
Pure mids do we play all of McAuliffe, Lalor, Smillie, Cumming, Hotton meaning Only two of Hopper Taranto Prestia Ross Sonsie get a game.
Do we play Algar and Peucker in front of Green, Rioli Mansell Because Hotton will spend time here in rotations.
Do we dump HRS and Trezise from the wings and look to find some decent wingers for me Campbell and Retschko.
Do we play three tall forwards if yes it must be at lest two of the younger forwards with Lynch guiding them. Do we Play Sims as the ruck fwd ? giving Nankervis a chop out instead of say Armstrong ?
We are in a good place questions are going to be asked.
For me it should now be full on kids with just enough experience to guide them.
Every position should be an open book with a priority on games into kids.
-
Three tall defenders is likely the go, but which three?
If Balta shows nothing preseason we could go with Miller, Gibcus and Trainor. If Balta is a lock then it is going to be Miller, Balta, and one of Trainor, Gibcus.
Do we slide Broad out of defense reckon both Trainor and Brown can play his role. Do we go with more pace and rebound by playing Grlj and one of Banks or Smith if he takes a leap. Trezise is a hb imo is there now a place for him or Short for that matter?
Pure mids do we play all of McAuliffe, Lalor, Smillie, Cumming, Hotton meaning Only two of Hopper Taranto Prestia Ross Sonsie get a game.
Do we play Algar and Peucker in front of Green, Rioli Mansell Because Hotton will spend time here in rotations.
Do we dump HRS and Trezise from the wings and look to find some decent wingers for me Campbell and Retschko.
Do we play three tall forwards if yes it must be at lest two of the younger forwards with Lynch guiding them. Do we Play Sims as the ruck fwd ? giving Nankervis a chop out instead of say Armstrong ?
We are in a good place questions are going to be asked.
For me it should now be full on kids with just enough experience to guide them.
Every position should be an open book with a priority on games into kids.
D Prestia
T Lynch
N Broad
N Vlastuin
T Nankervis
J Short
J Hopper
T Taranto
B Miller
N Balta
R Mansell
J Ross
Reckon the powers that be will be wanting that group all playing for at least the first 4-6 ideally. Prob also find a spot for Mykelti Lefau.
-
Well i hope your wrong.
With Miller, Balta, Vlastuin and potentially Broad in the back half or on the bench there is plenty of experience. Games into kids is the go. Who do you play Short in front of ? he has become superfluous to needs. Im all for playing Smith in front of that pea heart.
With the likes of Trainor and Brown you could say Broad is no longer needed as well but i agree his nous and experience will see him play no matter.
Mansell i think will be played with only Lynch being experienced in the forward half there is no one else and again the class of Hotton Algar as forwards they are going to be picked in front of others like Green and Rioli.
It would be a backwards step not playing two of Faull, Armstrong or Sims with Lynch. I think Lefau makes for a mature tall if Lynch is injured.
Based purely on talent and that need for speed and the real need to pump games into our kids neither Ross nor Sonsie would get a game and i think with Taranto and Hopper in the team that makes for enough leadership. Maybe Prestia but me i want us to pump games into the very talented kids that we have who address a serious weakness in run spread and pace. You are not suggesting i hope, that Ross or Sonsie play in front of Taranto or Hopper and they are definately behind the youngsters coming thru.
Are we going to play Ross Sonsie plus Prestia in front Lalor, Hotton, Cumming, Smillie and McAuliffe. that is the future and the priority has to be to get them to 80 odd games as quickly as possible. If injury or poor form hits then you have some reasonable cover with Ross Sonsie and the ageing Prestia.
Grlj straight off the bat can and should play hb he makes for a more than decent D Rioli replacement.
For me im really hoping we go similar to the following ive seen enough of some to know they are not the way forward.
FB: Vlastuin 32 - Miller 26 - Gibcus 22
HB: Grlj 18 - Balta 26 - Brown 23 or Banks 23
C: Campbell 21 - McAuliffe 21 - Retschko 20
R: Nankervis 31 - Taranto 28 - Lalor 19. Does anyone seriously want to see Ross play either of these roles in front of those 6.
HF: Hotton 19 - Faull 20 - Mansell 25
FF: Algar 19 - Lynch 32 - Armstrong 19/Sims 19. No Lefau simply because Faull and Armstrong show so much upside.They will be better for this years experience.
Int: Smillie 20 - Cumming 18 - Hopper 29 - Broad 32 - Banks 23.
Im in the other camp play as many kids as possible and when they tire or struggle for form then bring in some relief.
-
FB: Vlastuin 32 - Balta 26 - Trainor 19
HB: Brown 23 - Gibcus 22 - Banks 23
C: Grlj 18 - McAuliffe 21 - Retschko 20
R: Nankervis 31 - Taranto 28 - Lalor 19
HF: Hotton 19 - Faull 20 - Mansell 25
FF: Campbell 20 - Lynch 32 - Armstrong 19
Int: Smillie 20 - Cumming 18 - Hopper 29 - Broad 32 - Rioli 22
-
I would expect all of Miller, Prestia and Sims (5 on the bench means 2 rucks play I think) are all in the 23 come round 1.
Who comes out for those 3? Smillie easily is 1. Even if he is good to go to start the season, suspect he’ll need to get through 3-4 games in the VFL before debuting, not sure on the other 2 though. Good problem to have.
-
Well i hope your wrong.
With Miller, Balta, Vlastuin and potentially Broad in the back half or on the bench there is plenty of experience. Games into kids is the go. Who do you play Short in front of ? he has become superfluous to needs. Im all for playing Smith in front of that pea heart.
With the likes of Trainor and Brown you could say Broad is no longer needed as well but i agree his nous and experience will see him play no matter.
Mansell i think will be played with only Lynch being experienced in the forward half there is no one else and again the class of Hotton Algar as forwards they are going to be picked in front of others like Green and Rioli.
It would be a backwards step not playing two of Faull, Armstrong or Sims with Lynch. I think Lefau makes for a mature tall if Lynch is injured.
Based purely on talent and that need for speed and the real need to pump games into our kids neither Ross nor Sonsie would get a game and i think with Taranto and Hopper in the team that makes for enough leadership. Maybe Prestia but me i want us to pump games into the very talented kids that we have who address a serious weakness in run spread and pace. You are not suggesting i hope, that Ross or Sonsie play in front of Taranto or Hopper and they are definately behind the youngsters coming thru.
Are we going to play Ross Sonsie plus Prestia in front Lalor, Hotton, Cumming, Smillie and McAuliffe. that is the future and the priority has to be to get them to 80 odd games as quickly as possible. If injury or poor form hits then you have some reasonable cover with Ross Sonsie and the ageing Prestia.
Grlj straight off the bat can and should play hb he makes for a more than decent D Rioli replacement.
For me im really hoping we go similar to the following ive seen enough of some to know they are not the way forward.
FB: Vlastuin 32 - Miller 26 - Gibcus 22
HB: Grlj 18 - Balta 26 - Brown 23 or Banks 23
C: Campbell 21 - McAuliffe 21 - Retschko 20
R: Nankervis 31 - Taranto 28 - Lalor 19. Does anyone seriously want to see Ross play either of these roles in front of those 6.
HF: Hotton 19 - Faull 20 - Mansell 25
FF: Algar 19 - Lynch 32 - Armstrong 19/Sims 19. No Lefau simply because Faull and Armstrong show so much upside.They will be better for this years experience.
Int: Smillie 20 - Cumming 18 - Hopper 29 - Broad 32 - Banks 23.
Im in the other camp play as many kids as possible and when they tire or struggle for form then bring in some relief.
Yes , as I said I think you are in for a shock if believe all of Smillie, McAuliffe, Gibcus. Armstrong. Cumming, Grlj etc.will be playing together from day 1.
My guess is the club will lean on the oldest guys outside of Ryan and Hayes Brown.
Even the next bracket;
Ralphsmith
Trezise
Rioli
Might be given more of a go initially than you expect.
-
That said , I'd go -
Banks. Miller. Brown.
Balta. Vlastuin. Trainor.
Grlj. McAuliffe. Hotton.
Taranto. Lynch. Campbell.
Lalor. Faull. Armstrong.
Nankervis. Smillie. Cumming.
Algar. Rioli. Gibcus. Hopper. Mansell.
Retscheko. Sims.
:shh
-
My opinion is we are missing opportunity to cement a regular defensive back and properly develop Gibcus as a defensive staple.
Balta as a mobile Ruck option is really the only option for him. As a very mobile ruck he can always help the defenders anytime and provide much needed aerial support around the ground as we've been sadly lacking in that area.
As good as Nank has been I think he's way past it now and Balta is the perfect choice to provide relief and support and also be used as a backup either forward or back if ever required.
We need to look towards our future and establishing a solid back six now is crucial for development and future dominance.